Patent Searches

Checking for existing patents in force is easy (and free) if you use the UK Intellectual Property Office's (UKIPO) patent databases which are accessible online. The new databases replace the Patents Journal and are designed to make obtaining information sought a quicker process.

The first of the databases contains current UK patents that are open to licensing agreements.

The second database contains patents that are no longer in force.

Using the databases allows businesses to look for commercial opportunities, such as patents which they may be able to exploit for themselves if they can reach an agreement with the owner of the patent, or patents which have effectively come into ‘free use’ by expiring.

In addition, patent applications that are filed but not yet published will be able to be examined online within a few weeks of filing.

The UKIPO has also offers a toolkit to assist businesses in helping them understand how counterfeit goods enter the supply chain and step by step guidance on what to do if counterfeit goods are detected.

The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.

SWLaw serves a large and diverse region, covering the South Hams, South Devon, West Devon, and the greater Dartmoor area. The majority of our clients are resident in the rural areas between Totnes, Kingsbridge, Salcombe, Modbury, Yealmpton and Newton Ferrers. Additionally, we actively serve West Devon, from Tavistock, to Yelverton and Princetown, as well as moorland towns such as Ashburton. Clients from the greater Plymouth area including Plympton and Plymstock find that our offices are more accessible than many city centre firms. The SWLaw offices are just off the A38 Expressway at Lee Mill, and as such are very accessible for clients travelling further afield from East Cornwall and Exeter.